Feb 28, 2010

My sister's keeper

Read the book by Jodi Picoult of the same name.. it was very touching.. it was such good story telling that I finished it in one sitting, within 5 hours! .. I like the way the author presented views/thoughts/feelings of each of the characters involved in chapters.. Have yet to watch the movie of the same name, but was told that the ending for both were different.. think I prefer the book's ending..

I don't know how I would react if I were Anna.. or Kate as the matter of fact.. I am not able to put myself in any one of their shoes in these kind of extreme yet probable situations.. instead of thinking about these hypothetical questions, I think it would be better for me to treasure those around me, especially my baby sister..

As I am still living with my parents and my sister, I have appointed myself as my sister's "personal maid".. ;)

I am there to tend to her daily needs, which includes waking up at 5:30am to make her hot drinks and cook/make her breakfast, filling up her water tumbler, seeing her out of the front gate before 6:20am, washing and ironing her clothes, being her alarm clock when she wants to take naps between studies, getting her dinner and sending it over to her when she is on-call for 36 hours, cooking her supper when she gets off work after midnight and being her cheerleader cum listening-ear when she is too stressed out at work.. Giving her moral support, advice and guidance, especially in terms of managing her superiors and peers.. :) and sometimes, for me to nag at her to study/bath/eat/etc.. :p

Also, I will make sure that her favorite snacks and drinks are well-stocked, that she takes her vitamins and supplements and that she is not bogged down the daily mundane stuff.. Her wish is my command.. I would even gave her any of my body parts at the drop of a hat if she so requires... :)

Of course, I know that I won't be able to do all these things or be there for her forever, but I just wanna to do what I can while I still can.. who knows what might happen in the (near) future? Carpe diem and there shall be no regrets..

Feb 27, 2010

Earth-shaking

Just heard from the news.. many countries in the world had experienced earthquakes of different magnitude the last 96 hours..

Here is a summary of occurrences (between Feb 24 to Feb 27) that I could compile from the Net..It seemed like Mother Earth is having a "fit" of some sort.. some of the tectonic plates around the pacific region seem to be shifting.. I can only pray that everyone living on/near these fault lines will be out of harms way..

安靜

作詞 / 作曲 / 演唱:周杰倫

只剩下鋼琴陪我彈了一天
睡著的大提琴 安靜的舊舊的

我想你已表現的非常明白
我懂我也知道 你沒有捨不得

你說你也會難過我不相信
牽著你陪著我 也只是曾經
希望他是真的比我還要愛你
我才會逼自己離開

你要我說多難堪 我根本不想分開
為什麼還要我用微笑來帶過
我沒有這種天份 包容你也接受他
不用擔心的太多 我會一直好好過

你已經遠遠離開 我也會慢慢走開
為什麼我連分開都遷就著你
我真的沒有天份 安靜的沒這麼快
我會學著放棄你 是因為我太愛你
=======================================================
很难想象这首歌发行至今已经快九年了。。还是喜欢周董早期的作品。。

Feb 26, 2010

Tarot readings.. II

My last tarot reading were done in mid Oct last year, which was about 4 months ago. As tarot readings are usually "valid" for 3 months or so, it is now time for another set of readings. And I shall be using the same application as I did previously. Note that all pictures of tarot cards are from http://phpbb-tw.net/phpbb/thoth/ and there is no intention of infringing any copyright.

上一回的塔罗占卜已经是四个月前的事了。通常占卜的时效为三个月,所以又到了重新为接下来的三个月的运程占卜一下了。我会利用同样的占卜程式。
所有的塔罗图片都采自竹猫星球塔罗馆 (http://phpbb-tw.net/phpbb/thoth),本部落并无意侵犯版权。

求職運勢 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in: Job-hunting:

現狀 Current Situation: 女教皇 [High Priestess]

你的條件比較特殊,是極度專業型的,所以雖然待遇很高,企業需求卻比較少,因此在找工作時,需要更多的書面資料以及更長的時間。
Your conditions are unique and extremely specialized. Even though you command high salary, there is limited business needs for it. Thus when looking for a job, you might require more written information and longer time.

問題 Problem : 教皇 [Hierophant]

你的資料提供得很詳細,但是對忙碌的企業界人士來說,沒有耐性看完這份履歷,而且可能你想應徵的公司,都剛好需要比較侵略型的人,不是你的類型。
You may have provided very detailed information about yourself but the hiring folks might not have the patience nor time to finish reading them. Furthermore, the company that you applied to are looking for the type of people who are more aggressive, which you do not belong.

建議 Suggestion: 命運之輪 [Wheel of Fortune]

建議發揮長袖善舞的那一面,表現出你出色的交際能力,並且適合往業務、外務,或是常需要出差的職位去謀職。
Suggest that you showcase your backroom maneuvering and your excellent communication skills. Go for positions in sales, business development or positions that require frequent business trips.



單身運勢 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in : Relationships (for Singles)

現狀 Current Situation: 塔 [Tower]

你剛從上一段感情中脫身。或是你剛發現自己有意的對象,其實有著你不知道的一面,所以受到了打擊。
You just got out of a previous relationship, or you just realised that the person that you are interested in has a side that you didn't know which came as a shock to you.

問題 Problem: 女教皇 [High Priestess]

你很不擅於表達自己的感覺,就是給人一種拒人於千里之外的印象,所以比較沒有親和力,會發展成戀情的對象自然也就減少了。
You are very bad in expressing your feelings and gave an impression of unapproachability. Thus this lack of affinity has caused the pool of potential partners to shrink.

建議 Suggestion: 女皇 [Empress]

這張牌是建議你可以多多打扮、改變自己的造型,然後表現出親和力,在廣結善緣之下,情緣自然就會來到。
Suggest that you dress up more often, change your style and show more affection. As your cycle of friends expands, so does the chance for love.



財運 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in : Money Matters

現狀 Current Situation: 死亡 [Death]

你的金錢來源越來越少,而且現有的收入,也不確定可以維持到什麼時候,重點不在於你的財運,而是你賺錢的管道已經越來越窄,或是快被淘汰了。
Your source of money is shrinking and it is uncertain how long the income that you are getting now will sustain. The important thing is not your fortune but the means for you to make money is shrinking and might even dry up.

問題 Problem: 皇帝 [The Emperor]

你的金錢來源太過單一,沒有多方投資以分散風險,固定開銷也過高,導致財源一旦出問題,生活就會全面的受到影響。
You are too dependent on a single source of income and don't have multiple investment to minimize the risks. Your fixed expenditures are too high thus affecting all aspects of your life once that source of income is jeopardized.

建議 Suggestion: 賢者 [The Magician]

你其實有很多賺錢的潛力,只是你的心態太過保守,不敢輕舉妄動。如果你能開始研究投資跟兼差的相關資訊,你的理解力很強,想多賺錢會比別人有機會的。
Actually you have a lot of potential for making money, but you are too conservative and dare not act rashly. If you start researching into investment and other part-time jobs, with your superb understanding, you would have more opportunity than others to make money.



人際運勢 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in : Human Relationships

現狀 Current Situation: 女皇 [Empress]

你很願意為別人付出關懷,也有傾聽他人心聲的耐心,加上外型又不錯,所以一直都很受到大家的信任,你有困難時,常會有一堆人願意幫你。
You are very willing to show care and concern for others, and have the patience to hear what people has to say. Coupled with a good clean look, you always have the trust of everyone. Thus many would gladly provide a helping hand whenever you need one.

問題 Problem: 倒吊人 [The Hanged Man]

你對於友情這樣的事,實在是太隨緣了,而且可以為了睡覺或下雨這種原因,懶得出門交際,這樣會變宅喔!
Your attitude towards friendship is too nonchalant. You would even shun going out to socialize just because of it was raining or you wanted to sleep in.

建議 Suggestion: 星星 [Star]

當個在興趣方面合拍、以及偶爾可以交流心事的朋友就好,你的生活已經很忙碌,不適合經營太過親密的朋友關係。
Just be a friend who occasionally shares a hobby or common interest. You are too busy to be spending time managing close friendships.

Feb 25, 2010

No fins for me..

Being an avid supporter and member of the WWF (no, not the World Wrestling Federation), I have stopped eating shark's fin soup since late 1990s..

As this dish is a must-have in almost all weddings and banquets, I would either try to ensure the omission of it from the banquet or decline my portion of the soup when served. I would tell those seated in the same table that I won't eat it because of the cruelty of shark finning and my support for the conservation of the sharks. Many times I get strange looks from them, maybe they thought that I am crazy to forgo such expensive delicacy. But I stand by my conviction.
Other than shark's fin, I don't consume nor buy whale, tiger, bear, rhino, elephant or any other endangered animal-related products either. Frankly, I don't understand the hype with regards to the so-called "Chinese delicacies" like abalone, sea cucumber or bird's nest. Other than the supposedly show of riches and status, one gains few nutritional values from eating these "delicacies", nutrients which can be easily obtained by eating other sustainable and environmentally friendly food. I intensely loathe those who show off their wealth with senseless material possessions or utter disregards to the environment. I would respect those who uses their money for the betterment of the human race and the earth, helping those in need including saving those endangered animals.

Here is a shark leaflet specially produced by WWF Hong Kong to educate and dissuade people from eating shark's fin soup.



Let's do our part.. When the buying stops, the killing can too...

Feb 24, 2010

Addressing relatives 亲属辈分

Chinese New Year is the time when everybody is back for reunion dinner.. thus it is also the time when I get to meet all my relatives, from both sides of my parents..

Unlike Westerners, Chinese are very particular about family hierarchy and each family member has to be addressed accordingly. Not everyone is an "uncle", an "aunt" or a "cousin". Also age is not a determinant as one could be young and still "rank" highly in the family hierarchy.. Thus one could be addressed as "uncle" by someone who is much older than he is.

With 10 paternal uncles and 11 maternal uncles/aunties, I was utterly confused as to who should be called what when I was young.. I could still remember the time when I need to ask my mum for the correct "rank name" every time I meet a relative.. :x

Here is a short guide..
The Elders
Paternal grandparents - 祖父、祖母(in Hokkien, 阿公、阿嬷)
Paternal uncle (Father's elder brothers) & his wife - 伯伯、伯母
Paternal uncle (Father's younger brothers) & his wife - 叔叔、婶婶
Paternal aunt (Father's elder/younger sisters) & her husband - 姑姑、姑丈

Maternal grandparents - 外公、外婆(in Hokkien, 外公、外嬷)
Maternal uncle (Mother's elder/younger brothers) & his wife - 舅舅、舅母
Maternal aunt (Mother's elder/younger sisters) & her husband - 阿姨、姨丈

Peers
Paternal cousin brother (elder) & his wife - 堂兄、堂嫂
Paternal cousin brother (younger) & his wife - 堂弟、堂弟媳
Paternal cousin sister (elder) & her husband - 堂姐、堂姐夫
Paternal cousin sister (younger) & her husband - 堂妹、堂妹夫

Maternal cousin brother (elder) & his wife - 表兄、表嫂
Maternal cousin brother (younger) & his wife - 表弟、表弟媳
Maternal cousin sister (elder) & her husband - 表姐、表姐夫
Maternal cousin sister (younger) & her husband - 表妹、表妹夫

The Children
Children of one's brothers - 侄儿、侄女
Children of one's sisters - 外甥、外甥女
Children of paternal cousin brothers - 堂侄儿、堂侄女
Children of paternal cousin sisters - 堂外甥、堂外甥女
Children of maternal cousins brothers - 表侄儿、表侄女
Children of maternal cousins sisters - 表外甥、表外甥女

The above are just the generic Chinese family hierarchy namings in Malaysia, which is slightly different from those of Mainland China. Also the list above is not exhaustive as I have left out paternal/maternal grand-uncles/aunts and paternal/maternal cousin uncles/aunts..

Furthermore, these family ranks are pronounced differently according to the dialect groups that one belongs to. Also, each family/clan has their own forms of greetings/addressing. Sometimes first names are combined with their ranks, while other times their rank among the family is used. For example, the 3rd paternal uncle could be addressed as 三叔 (meaning 3rd uncle)by the children of his older brothers,三伯 by the children of his younger brothers,国明堂伯 (meaning cousin uncle Kok Ming, with Kok Ming being his name) by the children of his younger paternal cousin brothers and 国明表叔 by the children of his older maternal cousin brothers. ( Confused yet?? :p :p :p :p :p :p )

As I get older, the number of elders in the family dwindles while the children of my peers increase.. So I have been "promoted" to 堂姑、表姑 and 表姨.. :) thus being an elder now, I can address these younger generations by their names which make things much easier.. :)

Feb 23, 2010

红豆

歌曲:柳重言
歌詞:林夕


還沒好好的感受
雪花綻放的氣候
我們一起顫抖
會更明白什麼是溫柔
還沒跟你牽著手
走過荒蕪的沙丘
可能從此以后學會珍惜
天長和地久

有時候有時候
我會相信一切有盡頭
相聚離開都有時候
沒有什麼會永垂不朽
可是我有時候
寧願選擇留戀不放手
等到風景都看透
也許你會陪我看細水長流

還沒為你把紅豆
熬成纏綿的傷口
然后一起分享
會更明白相思的哀愁
還沒好好的感受
醒著親吻的溫柔
可能在我左右
你才追求孤獨的自由

有時候有時候
我會相信一切有盡頭
相聚離開都有時候
沒有什麼會永垂不朽
可是我有時候
寧願選擇留戀不放手
等到風景都看透
也許你會陪我看細水長流

有時候有時候
我會相信一切有盡頭
相聚離開都有時候
沒有什麼會永垂不朽
可是我有時候
寧願選擇留戀不放手
等到風景都看透
也許你會陪我看細水長流

================================================
以前听的是王菲的版本。现在有新一代的歌手选择重新诠释这首歌。
方大同的版本感觉上比较伤感。。另外一种滋味。。很不错。

Feb 22, 2010

Enter the Pisces..

A few days ago, the Sun enters Pisces.. in layman terms, it meant that the winter is coming into its final stage and we are in the last sign of the zodiac..

So far, my life have been affected tremendously by those who were born in this zodiac sign.. Even though there aren't that many of them among my family/relatives/friends, their influences on me are far-reaching and deeply entrenched.. I just can't seem to be able to escape from the "clutches" of these Pisces.. Some had shaped my personality/temperament and made me who I am today.. Some had caused me grieves and heartaches which I am still recovering from.. Some I can't seem to get/break away from.. Some I wanna get close to.. Some I just can't stand.. Some I misses intensely.. Some I detest greatly, while some I adore deeply..

Just like the two fishes representing Pisces, they manage to evoke deep conflicting emotions within me, all at the same time.. hope and despair.. euphoria and misery.. guilt and remorselessness.. Whether I like it or not, the imprints they made shall stay with me for the rest of my life..

Happy Birthday, Pisceans!

Feb 21, 2010

First 7 Days

Been busy the past one week or so.. not really physically busy, more like having lots on my mind.. with the CNY, my brother's wedding dinners and many other stuff..

Went to KL three days before CNY as my brother and his wife was to arrive in KL a day after.. As we ware using my (paternal) uncle's house as the place for the tea ceremony, we need to help my auntie with the cooking and other misc tasks.. My sister couldn't join us as she had to work during CNY.. :(

With all these tasks awaiting, I still managed to steal half a day to meet up with my friend in KL, Hoon. We went to Sunway Pyramid for karaoke, and some window shopping after that.. Didn't buy anything at all as the both of us weren't in much of a joyful celebration mood.. We even had a small "adventure" of looking for the entrance to the car park and then the car as the signage within the shopping complex weren't very helpful..

Then some good news... My sister's supervisor gave my sister 3 days off for CNY! thus she wass able to join us for the reunion dinner!! :) It was such great news. Finally my family wass able to have a reunion where all 5 of us are present! It has been 6 long years since my sister last made it to our reunion dinner.. It was an occasion to be remembered.. :)
This year almost all my (paternal) cousins, even those from China, America and Japan, were present except one who is studying pharmacy in England.. A cousin would be leaving for Canada later this year, while another cousin in US is expecting their first baby, so this was a rare occasion where almost all my cousins are present..

As usual, CNY meant feasting.. never feel hungry since CNY started.. :p We had our reunion dinner on the eve, went to another of my (paternal) uncles' house for dinner on the first day, and on the 2nd day a restaurant for dinner.. Then on the 3rd day, it was my brother's wedding dinner.. Shall talk about the wedding in another blog entry..

We then rested on the 4th day, before heading back home the next day.. so as to get ready for the 2nd wedding dinner the following day.. After the wedding dinner, my parents went to KL with my brothers and his in-laws the next day, while I stayed back with my sister as she had to work the very next day.. Only on the 7th day did I finally manage to get a breather, of sort, where my time is finally mine.. :) Don't expect any more "action" the next 7 days or so after tonight's "Prayer to the Jade Emperor" (拜天公), an important day for Hokkiens..

So back to my job-hunting.. :x

Feb 15, 2010

Living Vs Staying

When asked, do you say "I live in XXX"? or do you say "I stay in XXX"?

From dictionary.com, "stay" implies "To continue to be in a place or condition" or "To remain or sojourn as a guest or lodger", while "live" is given as "To reside; dwell".

That is the official explanation of these two words, but to me, they meant different things..

"I am staying with my parents" - this is my official answer when people ask me about my current status.. It implies that this is only a temporary stage as I wanna get out of this situation asap. I won't mind living in other countries, like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia or New Zealand... even Japan doesn't look as bad as before compared to this country..

If there is no news from Taiwan by the end of this month, I would most probably move to Singapore to live there and continue my job hunting.. even though I have yet to find a job.. I just need to be some place else.. anywhere but here, actually...

I want to live, not just stay in a place..

I want to be alive, not just surviving..

I want to be me..

Feb 14, 2010

This is it..

Artist: Michael Jackson

This is it, here I stand
I’m the light of the world, I feel grand
Got this love I can feel
And I know yes for sure it is real

And it feels as though I’ve seen your face a thousand times
And you said you really know me too yourself
And I know that you have got addicted with your eyes
But you say you gonna live it for yourself

I never heard a single word about you
Falling in love wasn’t my plan
I never thought that I would be your lover
C’mon baby, just understand

This is it, I can say,
I’m the light of the world, run away
We can feel, this is real
Every time I’m in love that I feel

And I feel as though I’ve known you since 1,000 years
And you tell me that you’ve seen my face before.
And you said to me you don’t want me hanging round
Many times, wanna do it here before

I never heard a single word about you
Falling in love wasn’t my plan
I never thought that I would be your lover
C’mon baby, just understand

This is it, I can feel
I’m the light of the world, this is real
Feel my song, we can say
And I tell you I feel that way

And I feel as though I’ve known you for a thousand years
And you said you want some of this yourself
And you said won’t you go with me, on a while
And I know that it’s really cool myself

I never heard a single word about you
Falling in love wasn’t my plan
I never thought that I would be your lover
C’mon baby, just understand

I never heard a single word about you
Falling in love wasn’t my plan
I never thought that I would be your lover
C’mon baby, just understand

Feb 13, 2010

平安!健康!

恭祝大家平安!健康!快乐! 虎虎生威!

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous year of the tiger!

希望这是个平稳丰盛的一年!
Hopefully it will be a good year for this tigress.. :)

Feb 12, 2010

You Gotta Be

Songwriters: Des'Ree Weekes, Ashley Ingram
Artist: Des'Ree


Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry

You gotta be
You gotta be bad
You gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard
You gotta be tough
You gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool
You gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Herald what your mother said
Reading the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
My oh my, hey ...

You gotta be
You gotta be bad
You gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard
You gotta be tough
You gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool
You gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Time asks no questions, it goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning
You can't stop it, if you try to
This time it's danger staring you in the face
Oh oh oh

Remember, listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
My oh my hey hey hey..

You gotta be bad
You gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard
You gotta be tough
You gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool
You gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know all I know is love will save the day

Gotta be bad
You gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard
You gotta be tough
You gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool
You gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know all I know is love will save the day

Got to be bold
Got to be bad
Got to be wise
Goin out of sight
Got to be hard
Not too too hard
All I know is love will save the day

You gotta be bad
You gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard
You gotta be tough
You gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool
You gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know all I know is love will save the day

Yeah

You gotta be bad
You gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard
You gotta be tough
You gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool
You gotta be calm
(fade)

Feb 11, 2010

Birds n Nest

On the first day of Feb, my dad sighted a nest made by a pair of burung merbab (Hook-billed Bulbul) in our garden.. The nest was built among some tea plants..
The nest is about the size of half a rugby ball.. It is at around my chest level, which is kinda low according to my dad. He said there is usually an average of 2 nests found in our garden every year, and usually the nests will be build in the guava tree, which is taller..

I am very excited because this is the first time I am able to get so close to a nest! So with my camera, I slowly approached the nest. I was hoping to see either eggs or chicks.. and I wasn't disappointed.. :) The 2 chicks were motionless and quiet, unlike the common scene of chirping chicks waiting to be fed that we have in mind.. When I showed my sis this photo, she made a comment that brought on a chuckle in me, "They looked like those black kampung chicken that we use to make herbal soup." :D

The parents of these chicks are always nearby, keeping a close eye on their offspring.. I even saw one of them chasing after another bird which came too close to the nest..
They will fly off to look for food, and then take turns feeding the chicks..I decided to keep a daily photo update of the growth of these chicks..

Day 02 (Feb 02)

Day 03 (Feb 03)

Day 04 (Feb 04)

Day 05 (Feb 05)

Day 06 (Feb 06)

Day 07 (Feb 07)

Day 08 (Feb 08)

Day 09 (Feb 09)

Right after I took this photo, this little fella fell off the nest.. :x :x I felt very very very very very very very very bad.. I must have startled it.. it then tried to fly away, but because its body is still too big for its wings, it could only managed to fly down.. It then flew to some wooden boxes that my dad had left at the side of the garden wall. I was very worried that it would be eaten by one of the stray cats that come to the garden once in a while.. yet I couldn't go, catch it and put it back to the nest without startling the other little chick.. I was very upset and felt very guilty too..

I try to keep an eye on it while going about my chores.. When I didn't see the little chick (at those boxes) after a while, I actually panicked and even cried. I felt really bad for indirectly killing it by causing it to fall out of its nest.. I even went to those boxes to see if it had fallen into any of them... :x All kinds of scenarios came into my mind, all the "what ifs"... yet, nothing I do would bring it back again... :( :(

Then after some time when I saw it perched up at a higher rack further down the garden, I was relieved beyond words. Even though I lost track of it a few hours later, I don't feel as bad anymore, as I believe that its parents must have guided it to a better and safer hiding place..

And this is the end of my photo diary.. I do not want to startle the lone chick that is left in the nest.. And most importantly I do not want to have the blood of a(nother) chick on my hands and conscious..

Feb 10, 2010

CNY Prep III

To give my arms and shoulders a rest, I decided to move on to the non-painting task on my list... sewing! :p

All the room doors have door curtains and some of the windows have window curtains too.. however, they are unlike the elaborate type or what you call a "proper" type of curtains, instead they are the basic or primitive type - just a piece of cloth sewn to be hung.. anyway, they are at least 5 years old, so it is time to change..

My sis wanted to choose the design for them as she was the one who chose the old ones.. So we went around several textile shops hunting for the perfect curtains.. In the end we decided on this design..We bought 20m, enough for 5 door curtains and 10 window curtains.. and it cost us around MYR50..

First I need to cut them up.. into door and window curtains.. then I need to fold the ends up and sew them.. using needles and a tailoring tape..Then I would need to use my mum's sewing machine.. To sew the ends.. with one end smaller (the bottom) and the other bigger (the top so the wire can go through for me to hang it up).. A couple of hours later, one of the end results...

Feb 9, 2010

Colored

It has been almost a year since I last colored my hair.. and since I won't be going to Singapore any time soon to "visit" my hairstylist, I have decided to try out one of many variety of hair coloring products available here.. plus my sis volunteered to be my "colorist".. :)

Having tried shades of red and brown, I was thinking of either blue or purple.. ;) :p In order not to shock my relatives plus it is going to be Chinese New Year soon, I decided that I would like to do purple (which is closer to red than blue) this time round... So I bought this product from Revlon..The color is Deep Burgundy.. Not too sure about the RGB code for Deep Burgundy, but for Burgundy is #800020. Bought this for MYR21 at Watson.

Inside the coloring kit, there is a bottle of Ammonia-free Colorant, Cream Color Developer, After-Color Conditioner, Application instructions and a pair of gloves.
My sis took about 30 min to apply and I waited about 35 min for the color to "stick", as per instruction.. Because of my short short hair, there are more than half of the coloring lotion left unused.. since it can't be kept, I had to throw them away.. very wasteful... :(
In the end, the color isn't very obvious on my hair and can only detect it under direct sunlight.. :x :x On hindsight, I should have bought Burgundy instead of Deep Burgundy as my black hair is as stubborn as I am and thus refuse to be "colored" so easily.. :p

Well, there is always next time! :)

Feb 8, 2010

The Show

Songwriters: Lenka Eden Kripac, Jason Reeves,
Artist: Lenka


I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

Slow it down, make it stop or else my heart is going to pop
'Cause it's too much, yeah it's a lot to be something I'm not
I'm a fool out of love 'cause I just can't get enough

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down
I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show

The sun is hot in the sky just like a giant spotlight
The people follow the signs and synchronize in time
It's a joke nobody knows, they've got a ticket to the show

Yeah, I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down
I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show
Just enjoy the show

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down
I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show
Just enjoy the show, just enjoy the show

I want my money back, I want my money back
I want my money back, just enjoy the show
I want my money back, I want my money back
I want my money back, just enjoy the show


Take a look at the original video clip (from YouTube) for this song. I liked it..

Feb 7, 2010

CNY Prep Part II

Ok, the other 2 sides..

This was the "target" for 4th day..

Since I woke up late, I started work on this side of the wall only around 11am.. which didn't really make much of a difference as this side of the wall will be under the sun no matter what time it is..

I worked under the sun from 11am to 2.30pm.. taking frequent breaks and drinking plenty of water.. but in the end, I can't finish the entire wall..

Only completed 70%.. with my arms and shoulders aching, my hands cramping and my body sun-burnt.. :x

I then took a break as it was my sister's birthday and we went shopping.. :)

I continued 2 days later.. painting the last 30% and the back of the house.. spent about 5 hours on them.. by the end of the day, my arms, shoulders and hands were aching.. I can't even grip my hands firmly into a fist.. :x :x My sis cautioned me to NOT paint anymore as the ligaments in my hands were over-strained and swelling.. and it is going to take a very long time for my hands to recover..

So I took her advice.. but only rested for another 2 days before continuing.. as I just can't leave something half-done.. at least the front of the house has to be completed.. so out came the ladder and a smaller brush, to help me reach the corners that the roller-brush can't..
It took me another 2 days (of 6 hours each) to tidy up.. By the time I finished all the nooks and corners, including two front pillars, I could barely turn my head to my left as I had pulled some muscles in my left shoulder, and can't grip anything firmly with any of my hands..

But I am very happy with the end product.. :)



Next up, the main gate.. and some sewing.. :p

Feb 5, 2010

Painful price

of vanity, that is.. Oh, I am referring to the pain endured during a facial.. :x

All those years in Singapore, I have only had ONE facial done.. because I don't like the feeling of lying there and allowed myself to be "manipulated" by the beautician.. and I am very particular about people touching any part of my head, including my hair.. But then my face isn't as bad, actually I think it is in a pretty good condition ( :p ) .. plus the fact that I don't put on make-up at all, other than the usual day/night moisturizer, so it is aging "elegantly".. :p So I don't really see the need for facial..

However, this time I went with my sister for one session of facial as she had a acne breakout and my brother's wedding is less than 2 weeks away.. We went to a beauty center in town instead of my sister's usual beautician, because it was recommended by my mum's friend.. so we decided to check it out and compare, since the price is about the same.

When we first arrived, we were asked to change into a tube-top-like clothes that leaves our shoulders and arms bare.. Lying on the bed, our faces were first washed with their in-house facial cleanser.. Followed by several rounds of cleansing, cleaning, massaging and applying some cream/mask..

The most "unforgettable" segment was when the beautician started squeezing my blackheads from various parts of my face.. my forehead, my cheeks, my chin but the most most most painful part was my nose.. I always prided myself for having a high pain threshold, and I think my pain threshold is higher than most people, yet I was winching and grimacing throughout the whole "ordeal"... and my tears just gushed out.. It was THE worst physical pain I had ever experienced.. :x

The rest of the session was not too bad.. they even did a shoulder massage, which unfortunately, barely loosen my tensed muscles.. another minor complain that I have was that I was "bombarded" with Chinese New Year songs for the whole duration, which really got on my nerve.. :x

So after spending one and a half hours, MYR$55 and not forgetting a few drops of my tears, I had my eye-brow trimmed and my face cleansed.. :p

Feb 3, 2010

Smile

Songwriters: Jeremy Bose, Blair Daly, J Harding, Matthew Shafer
Artist: Uncle Kracker


You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flip side
Of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where
You send me, lets me know that it's okay
Yeah, it's okay
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along just like
A flower pokin' through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain, and just like that

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh, you make me smile
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh, you make me smile

Feb 2, 2010

1st Rotation

My sister just completed her first 4-month rotation today .. :)

When she first went to the surgical department, she was stressed (over the expectations and responsibility of being a doctor) and lost (over the procedures and paper works).. but soon she found her bearings.. and with her friendliness (unlike me.. :p ) and positive attitude and aptitude (like me.. :p ), her seniors and other Medical Officers soon took her under their wings.. they provided guidance and support, and had helped her regained her confidence..

Even though she has 5 more rotations to go, this is a milestone for her.. Before she starts her next rotation, she has a few days of paid-leave.. so we would be doing some shopping and CNY cookie-making these few days.. :)

Am so proud of her.. :)

Feb 1, 2010

Live like We're Dying

Songwriters: Frampton, Andrew Marcus; Kipner, Stephen Alan; O'donoghue, Daniel John; Sheehan, Mark Anthony
Artist: Kris Allen


Sometimes we fall down and can't get back up
We're hiding behind skin that's too tough
How come we don't say I love you enough
Till it's too late, it's not too late
Our hearts are hungry for a food that won't come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we're all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would've done

[Chorus]
Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we've been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinking it
Every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we're dying

And if you plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out of our lives
So when we long for absolution, there will be no one on the line

Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we've been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinking it
Every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we're dying

Like we're dying
Like we're dying
Like we're dying
Like we're dying

Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we've been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinking it
Every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we're dying

You never know a good thing until it's gone
You never see a crash until it's head on
All these people right when we're dead wrong,
You never know a good thing till it's gone

Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we've been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinking it
Every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we're dying

Like we're dying
Like we're dying
Like we're dying
Like we're dying

Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we've been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinking it
Every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we're dying